Karinya Youth Services Tasmania supports young women, including mums and pregnant women, aged 15 to 19, offering personalised support, crisis accommodation, and programs such as the Karinya Young Mums (KYM).

KYM supports participants in maintaining safe and stable housing, engaging in education and employment, building routines, learning household management skills, and learning parenting, nutrition, and child development skills.

Patsy is the Programs Team Leader at Karinya and has seen firsthand the program's impact on young mothers and their families.

“When Karinya Young Mums was established in 2012, it helped to fill a gap in Launceston, supporting young mums. The program provides accommodation with wrap-around support that is adaptive for how that looks for each participant,” Patsy said.

“When they come to us, a lot of the young mums want to start to nest, they want to set up the nursery and have control over their space and learn to be the best parent they can be.

“The program supports young mums for up to two years and is participant-led, meaning the young mum decides how they move through the program and how long they need us. Some stay for a little while until they get stability, and others stay for the duration of the program.

“Some young mums who came through the program when it first started have children in middle primary now. We will hear now and again from past participants who give us updates on their journey and how the kids are going, and it’s nice to know they are doing well.”

Karinya Youth Services Tasmania has been in operation for over 45 years and receives Specialist Homelessness Services funding from Homes Tasmania and properties with a Head Lease agreement.

Find out more about the support Karinya provides by visiting their website https://karinyayouthservicestas.org.au/